The Future of Single-Use Plastics: Upcoming Bans in NSW and Beyond

Plastic Bans

The global shift toward reducing plastic pollution is gaining momentum, and Australia is no exception. As of 1 January 2025, the New South Wales (NSW) Government has introduced a new phase of bans focused on single-use plastics integrated into food packaging. While these items may seem convenient, they are highly problematic for the environment. Fortunately, sustainable alternatives exist, and this reform marks a strong step forward.

“Integrated Packaging” is cancelled in 2025 

This new ban targets single-use plastic items built into food and drink packaging. Think of juice box straws, yoghurt spoons sealed under lids, or polystyrene noodle cups. These are now banned, along with their so-called “biodegradable”, “compostable”, or “bioplastic” alternatives, which often mislead consumers.

Despite labels, these materials still pose threats to ecosystems and wildlife. They require industrial composting conditions and break down only after several months, often failing to deliver on their sustainability promise.

Integrated packaging is also difficult to recycle due to its small size and complex material mix. Removing these items from circulation helps reduce contamination in waste streams and litter in the environment.

Australia’s 2025 Packaging Targets 

The integrated packaging ban is part of a broader national push to reduce plastic pollution. Led by the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO), these targets aim to:

• Ensure 100 percent of packaging is reusable, recyclable, or compostable
• Achieve 70 percent recycling or composting of plastic packaging
• Include 50 percent average recycled content across all packaging

However, APCO’s 2022 to 2023 progress report reveals the challenges ahead:

• 86 percent of packaging met the “design for recyclability” target
• Only 19 percent of plastic packaging was actually recycled or composted

This gap highlights the need for action. Australia must invest in advanced recycling systems, strengthen producer responsibility, and boost public education to move closer to a true circular economy.

Read about these targets and how is relates to chocolate here!

State & Territory Plastic Bans Update (2025) 

Australia is undergoing transformative changes in the fight against plastic pollution. While national packaging reforms often fall under federal jurisdiction (like the work led by APCO), the real power to ban and regulate single-use plastics lies with state and territory governments. Here’s a breakdown of where each state is heading in 2025 and beyond, and how we can all play a part in creating a plastic-free future. 

South Australia

Leading the nation in plastic reduction, SA will expand its ban in September 2025 to include: 

• Non-compostable plastic produce stickers 

• Single-use soy sauce containers 

• Polystyrene cups and bowl-style food containers 

Victoria 

In February 2023, VIC implemented a wide-reaching ban on single-use plastics including: 

• Straws, stirrers, cutlery, plates, cotton bud sticks 

• Polystyrene food and drink containers Importantly, degradable and compostable plastic alternatives were also banned to avoid greenwashing and improper breakdown in landfill. 

Queensland 

Qld began action in September 2021 and continues to lead with: 

• A ban on plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal care and cleaning products 

• Durability requirements for heavyweight plastic bags (to avoid “thicker” versions replacing single-use ones) More stages are planned in 2025 as part of their Plastic Pollution Reduction Plan. 

Western Australia 

WA launched its first phase in 2022, banning: 

• Plastic bowls, plates, cutlery, straws, stirrers and thick plastic bags in 2023–2024, Stage 2 introduced bans on: 

• Plastic cups with lids, produce bags, coffee cups, lids and cotton buds’ Further expansion are expected beyond 2025. 

Tasmania 

Currently, Tasmania is catching up with a limited ban on: 

• Plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery and polystyrene containers. They remain in the consultation stages for stronger reforms, but local councils are increasingly stepping up. 

The Future of Plastic Bans Beyond  

NSW’s upcoming 2025 ban on integrated packaging reflects a broader shift across Australia — one that prioritises reusable, compostable, and fully recyclable packaging. But to see real change, regulation isn’t enough. 

What needs to happen: 

• Manufacturers must invest in alternative materials and redesign packaging to meet new standards. 

• Government support through subsidies, mandates, and education campaigns must continue. 

• Most importantly, consumer behaviour needs to align with sustainability — this is where everyone plays a role. 

How You Can Help Plastic Bans

The end of single-use plastics isn’t just a government job — it’s a collective effort. Here are a few simple but powerful actions you can take: 

✅ Choose products with paper, cardboard, or compostable packaging 

✅ Support businesses that are ditching plastic 

✅ Say no to unnecessary packaging 

✅ Write to your local MP about including chocolate wrappers and other unregulated items in upcoming bans 

✅ Join or start a community clean-up, workshop or education session 

✅ Stay informed and share what you learn with others 

A Hopeful Path Forward for Plastic Bans

Across the country, we’re seeing the tides turn on plastic waste. From council-led bans to community pressure on corporations, momentum is building. Every piece of plastic avoided, every better choice made, and every voice raised is part of the solution. 

Let’s keep pushing forward. Together, we can end single-use plastics for good. 

#CancelIntegratedPackaging #PlasticFreeAustralia #SustainableChoices #BanTheWrap 

References 

https://www.marineconservation.org.au/which-australian-states-are-banning-single-use-plastics/  

https://apco.org.au/national-packaging-targets  

https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Plastics/Plastics-Action-Plan#:~:text=The%20Plastic%20Reduction%20and%20Circular,rinse%20off%20personal%20care%20products.  

https://www.replacethewaste.sa.gov.au/guideline-2025-bans  

https://www.plasticsindustry.org/articles/methods-that-could-increase-rate-plastic-recycling/  

How to get involved

There are many ways we can all contribute to the global effort for cleaner oceans! Contact us here to find out how you can get involved on our mission for cleaner oceans.

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